March brings a range of events and activities to Chicago as residents prepare for longer days and the start of spring. Despite the loss of an hour due to daylight savings time, the city offers various options for entertainment and community engagement throughout the weekend.
Among the highlights is Holi, the Festival of Colors, celebrated at both Navy Pier and Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens. At Navy Pier, attendees can enjoy live music, DJs, dance performances, and purchase color powder for festivities overlooking Lake Michigan. The Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts will also host a celebration with music, dancing, arts and crafts, as well as traditional colored powder and water throwing at Chicago Women’s Park & Garden.
For those interested in fashion sustainability, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is hosting a Spring Clothing Swap on Saturday. Organizers encourage participants to bring clean clothing in good condition; leftover items will be donated to a local free store.
Art lovers can visit several openings across neighborhoods. The Jackson Junge Gallery in Wicker Park presents “DUALITY,” featuring 24 artists exploring diptychs that represent opposites through theme or style. In Englewood, graphic designer Gail Mitchell’s exhibit “Loc’d: Reimagining Our Heroes” reimagines Black historical figures with locs using AI technology.
Music education supporters may attend Thursday’s benefit concert at Garcia’s Chicago for Music Will, which aims to enhance public school music programs. Performances include singer-songwriter Annie O’Malley and local students.
Community-focused events continue with BandWith Chicago launching its First Fridays Series in East Garfield Park—monthly dance lessons with live music—and Bikes & Bonfires organizing a group ride from Grant Park to Promontory Point Park.
Theater enthusiasts have opportunities as well: Aguijón Theater extends its run of “Death And The Maiden,” performed in Spanish with English subtitles before it travels to Spain; meanwhile, the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company stages “The Gondoliers” at Mandel Hall in Hyde Park.
Other weekend offerings include:
– Wild Blossom Meadery’s Girl Scout Cookie & Mead Pairing Week.
– Enid Book Fair supporting small presses.
– Daylight Ravings party at Bookclub Chicago featuring local DJs.
– A honey-harvesting workshop by Dulce Morales at Plant Chicago.
– Mail art activism workshops in Pullman.
– South Asia Institute’s curator-led opening reception for “Truth To Form.”
– Thalia Hall Free For All concert series benefiting Pilsen Food Pantry.
– Spinning Home Movies #20 exhibition celebrating home movies on the South Side.
– Edison Park’s Irish Sunday Funday festival with bagpipers and dancers.
– The Chicago Artisan Market showcasing local artisans at Morgan MFG in West Loop.
– Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) celebration at Japanese Cultural Center including tea ceremonies and cultural activities.
– Release event for Issue 4 of Pub Chicago at Dovetail Brewery featuring live readings and performances.
Many events are free or request donations; some require tickets or RSVPs. For more details about specific happenings—including ticket purchases—visit each organizer’s website or venue listing.
